Pentagon inspector: Hegseth leaked sensitive information that could have been intercepted by enemies

Dec. 3 (UPI) The Department of Defense's inspector general released a report indicating that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth handled classified information using unsecured devices and messaging platforms.

The report, delivered to Congress on Wednesday, followed an eight-month probe into Hegseths use of the messaging application Signal to discuss military operations in Yemen. Investigators concluded that this practice could have placed U.S. forces at risk.

The inspector general noted that messages sent via Signal could have been intercepted by foreign adversaries. Additionally, Hegseths use of his personal phone for official Defense Department business violated military regulations, according to reports from NBC News and Fox News.

A redacted version of the report is expected to be released later this week by the House and Senate Armed Services Committees after their review, as reported by CNN and ABC News.

The investigation stemmed from Hegseth using the encrypted but unclassified app to discuss war plans in two group chats one with family members and another including government officials. In one instance, a reporter was accidentally added to the officials' group chat, revealing the timing and locations of planned strikes.

The chat with officials, which included a journalist from The Atlantic, contained detailed information about operations against Houthi forces in Yemen. The messages outlined the deployment of F-18 fighter jets, Tomahawk missiles, MQ-9 strike drones, and real-time updates as attacks were underway.

Investigators also learned that Hegseth participated in approximately a dozen other Signal chats. It was unclear whether any classified or operational details were shared in those conversations.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the disclosed information could have compromised U.S. mission objectives and endangered military personnel, and Hegseths choice to use an unclassified app created risks to operational security. The report confirms that the shared information originated from documents marked as classified at the time.

While Hegseth has the authority to declassify information, investigators could not determine if he had done so prior to sharing it. Hegseth was not interviewed during the investigation but has maintained that he did not share classified information or violate military rules.

Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesperson, stated, This inspector general review is a TOTAL exoneration of Secretary Hegseth and proves what we knew all along no classified information was shared. This matter is resolved and the case has been closed.

Analysis: Security Risks in Hegseth's Communication Practices

The Department of Defense inspector general’s report highlights a serious lapse in operational security. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal app and personal devices for discussing military operations in Yemen could have exposed sensitive information to foreign adversaries.

Investigators found that messages detailing the timing, location, and execution of strikes, including deployments of F-18 jets, Tomahawk missiles, and MQ-9 drones, were shared in group chats that included non-official participants. Even if no confirmed breach occurred, the potential risk to U.S. forces and mission objectives was significant.

The investigation also underscores the importance of following established military regulations for handling classified information. While Hegseth asserts no rules were broken, the report demonstrates how informal channels, even encrypted ones, can compromise security if proper protocols are not strictly observed.

Redacted versions of the report will soon be released by the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, providing a clearer public understanding of the findings. This case serves as a reminder of the critical balance between convenience in communication and maintaining operational security in defense operations.

Sources:

• Pentagon watchdog: Hegseth shared classified information that could have been intercepted by adversaries